Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, and Space Heaters Install Safely - Use Safely - Maintain Carefully

More than one-fifth of residential fires are related to the use of supplemental room heaters, such as wood- and coal-burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters, and electrical space heaters. According to the U.S. Fire Administration "portable heating fires in residences are more deadly than any other type of heating fire.  Although they account for only 10% of all heating fires, they account for 40% of all heating fire deaths."  Most space heater fires occur in the bedroom, which demonstrates the need for every sleeping area to have a working smoke detector. The majority of fires related to supplemental heating appliances are caused by improper installation, maintenance, or use of the appliance. You can reduce the chances that your family will experience a home fire by following simple guidelines on the installation, use, and maintenance.

Install Safely

Every appliance should have a complete set of installation instructions and should be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Wood stoves should sit on a non-combustible surface or on a code-specified or listed floor protector. Fireplaces should have only noncombustible materials around the opening and hearth. Space heaters should be placed on a firm surface. They should be out of the way so that they won't be tipped over and spill fuel or have hot surfaces come in contact with combustible flooring. Many space heater fires are caused by the heater being tipped over by children or pets. Combustibles such as curtains, chairs, firewood, and even walls should be at least three feet away from the heater.

Use Safely

Careful operation is crucial to occupant safety. Use only fuels appropriate for the heating appliance. Use coal only if specifically approved by the stove manufacturer. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should never be used to start a wood fire since they might explode or flare up. Never use gasoline in kerosene heaters. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire. The directions on artificial logs made from wax and sawdust say that they should be used one at a time in fireplaces and never used in wood stoves. The heat can melt the log causing it to flare up or leak burning liquid. Pressure-treated wood should not be burned in stoves or fireplaces because it contains toxic chemicals that can cause health issues. Always use a fireplace screen to keep sparks from igniting materials in the room. Keep a window ajar or the door open in a room where a non-venting heater is in use. Avoid the use of extension cords with electric heaters. Never use heaters to dry clothing or other combustibles. Do not leave fireplaces or space heaters unattended. Young children should be kept away from any heating appliances that have hot surfaces and can cause burns.

Vents and chimneys for heating appliances must be installed with proper clearances to combustible materials. Typically, 18 inches of air space is required between single-wall connector pipes and combustibles and 2 inches between insulated chimneys and combustibles. A common fire problem exists where chimney pipes pass through exterior walls or ceilings and are too close to combustible materials. Non-venting gas-fired space heaters should not be used in small enclosed areas, especially bedrooms, because of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Maintain Carefully

Chimneys and vents should be inspected and cleaned annually. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned when necessary by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Creosote builds up in connectors and chimney flues and can cause a chimney fire. Do not burn newspapers or other trash in a fireplace because they burn too hot and can start a chimney fire. Kerosene heaters should be cleaned and wicks replaced annually. Electric heaters with frayed or damaged cords should never be used.

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